Date: 2013-09-18

The Afonja Warriors say their Week 32 opponents should concentrate on the game and stop raising controversy by alleging referee bias

Kwara United has advised  Gombe United to stop chasing shadows over the week 32 Nigeria Premier League match scheduled to hold in Ilorin by insinuating possible biased officiating.

Kwara United media officer, Olayioye Ajide says the call by the Gombe State Sports Commission executive chairman Mallam Farouk Yarma to the League Management Company demanding for fair officiating is raising dust to cause confusion.

Ajide reminded Mallam Yarma of how they do manipulate officiating in the name of northern mayhem by intimidating referees to award penalty for Gombe United and that under an enabling atmosphere, the likes of Gombe have no place in the elite division.

Kwara United queried why television cameras are not allowed to cover matches in the north or have video clips of matches in Gombe beamed on television if not for their antics.
He challenged Gombe to produce video tape of the match between Gombe United and Kwara United where two controversial penalties were awarded owing to intimidation.

‘In our own case, we have never enjoyed undue advantage this season. In fact Kwara United played only one penalty which was not controversial; therefore, Gombe United should not raise alarm where there is no crisis. 

"Nigerian referees have performed excellently well and we applaud them for that. At this crucial stage of our league clubs should mind the kind of statements they make’, Olayioye stated.

Olayioye added that if Kwara United is desperate, the team wouldn’t have lost at home or drawnany as spectators in Ilorin love good football and will not hesitate to boo the players when they fail to find their rhythm on the field of play.

"Gombe should not think they can intimidate officials to get result in Ilorin, they should rather justify their ability on the field of play," Olayioye counseled.

Kwara United commended the LMC for their sense of organization and urged them to be more vigilant as the league draws to an end.